what are the disadvantages of buying an older truck

I got this one with just over 48,000 miles on it, APU had to revived by Carrier, they just put a new APU on it. The driver that had this truck before me didn't give 2 farts about it. Had to have the transmission serviced, all the brake drums had to be replaced. CAT had to put a new oil pan on it.

Buying a used truck can be good, or bad.

 

With a Century Class chances are good that was a fleet truck and likely had many drivers shocking the driveline as a matter of routine with extended fleet grease intervals to boot. Along with all the other things folks have posted (yep the shocks are likely worn out factory original) to look at I'd be sure to check the u-joints closely. You can tell if they have any slack when driving it or by crawling underneath it and checking. I'd just hope for the best on the transmission but you should be able to tell if it's not right or making strange noises.

 

To be honest, with only 600k miles on a 2002 model, it was most likely a O/O truck or a farm truck. Those miles are too low for a fleet truck..... that's if those are the CORRECT miles and the ECM was not replaced.

 

Yeah buy a new truck and expect too use the warranty.
The only thing the warranty covers is what doesn't break.

 

I run out of Laredo. Most piggy backs ( new trucks) don't make it too San Antonio.
Tgats why engine manufactures scrapped EGR because it doesn't work.
Good luck

 

YEAH! I'd rather have an old but relaible truck than a new truck with a warranty! I'm a co driver and was given a new truck, in 257000 miles after haveing the front shocks put on correctly (upside down from the factory!) I have gone thru 4 sets of steer tires, 1 turbo,1 exhuast manifold, 2 dpf's, 8 rear axle seals, fan control selanoid & clutch,1 RH mirror motor, 1 RF shock mount,fuel transfer pump/valve, 1 serp. belt I'm sure I've forgotten something. And this truck replaced another new one that I was haveing TOO MUCH TROUBLE WITH! I now seem to have the bugs worked out and I'm NOT giveing this thing up for a loooong time.

 

good luck. let us know how that works out.

 

Are you:
Owner operator who gets loads from a load board?
Every time you break down the broker makes a note. Two or three times in one year most of them wont even take your calls. You certainly wont be on the "git er done" list.

Going to lease on somewhere?
Very few (good) companies will talk to you if you have pre '08. Despite what you may have read on a previous post. OOIDA has exhausted all efforts. CARB has won the war, your 2003 will not be in Ca in 2014 think about that, in one year you will not be able to lease on to anyone or travel in California.

 

Well that would be just heart breaking then huh? Screw Comifornia, they made their bed, let em die in it. There's to dang many people and their roads suck.